The director, choreographer, and composer behind "The Full Monty" are back on Broadway with the musical adaptation of the 1988 slapstick film, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." Roma Torre has the review in the following report.

If you were a fan of "The Full Monty" on Broadway several seasons ago, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", a fully-clad musical by mostly the same creative team, is just as nakedly diverting. Another stage adaptation of a popular film, it's a treat for audiences craving something smart, catchy, and fun. But this one has a bonus: a breakout performance that's so sensational, it alone makes "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" a must-see.

And that performer is Norbert Leo Butz, last seen in "Wicked," he's finally getting a showcase worthy of his great and many gifts. In the role played by Steve Martin he puts his own inspired stamp on the classless con. And paired with the always first class John Lithgow, these scoundrels are sublime.

The stage version follows the film closely. And book writer Jeffrey Lane, makes an impressive theatrical debut with this heavily plotted story that is never less than engaging and funny.

On the French Riviera we meet Lawrence Jameson, a successful con artist whose scam is posing as a prince fighting for his stolen kingdom. Wealthy women lavish him with money and jewels, and in return he supplies his debonair affections. Lithgow is a smooth commanding presence. But a new guy comes to town. Freddy, dubbed the jackal, is crude and utterly ruthless and the two who clash at first, later team up.

There's a charming subplot involving Jameson's French assistant, the marvelously low key Greg Jbarra, and a wealthy American woman played with winning zest by Joanna Gleason.

Later the two scoundrels compete to bilk a beautiful American woman out of $$50,000. Sherie Rene Scott, so luscious in "Aida" does it again with her own glorious acting and vocal skills.

The quirky brilliance of composer David Yazbek is on full display. The songs enhance and propel the plot with such resounding force, you need to listen to every word. Though not always hummable, their cleverness will astound.

Director Jack O'Brien contributes his masterful comic touch, polishing and sharpening to a dazzling gem.

Jerry Mitchell's choreography enlivens every step of the way. And David Rockwell's versatile twirling set designs serve the action very nicely.

But, upstaging just about all is Norbert Leo Butz, a supremely confident actor whose talent knows no bounds. Performing Yazbek's divinely offbeat songs, Butz delivers a knockout with every note.

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is a bit long and could benefit from some trimming, but that's a minor quibble. This is a finely crafted musical that would be a crime to miss.

— Roma Torre